Based on lunar and solar movements, the Chinese New Year begins on the new moon of the first day of the new year. Traditionally, celebrations continue for the next 15 days until the full moon.

The event emphasizes family gathering and unity, with a whole host of traditional foods, events and sayings -- such as "gung hay fat choy" (happy new year).

The Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce celebrates with its 12th annual Lunar New Year Bazaar. Held from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, the celebration attracts thousands.

Lining downtown Oakland from ninthto Franklin streets, the outdoor festival features vendors selling traditional items such as plum blossom trees and flowers, dried goods and candy, clothes and jewelry, decorations and calligraphy, as well as contemporary and traditional cuisine. The shops on the street throw their doors open as well, and visitors can check out the array of local businesses, food markets and restaurants.

Entertainment includes singing and dancing groups, martial arts, a little prince and princess contest, ballet, a fashion show and, of course, the traditional lion dance. For more information, call (510) 893-8979.

Another event -- "Family Explorations! Lunar New Year," with various events from noon to 4:00 p.m. Sunday -- will be at the Oakland Museum of California.

A lion dance kicks off the ceremonies -- which also include hands-on activities such as ornament and puppet making, crafts and cooking; demonstrations of Chinese music, dance, martial arts and taiko drumming; a shadow puppet show; Asian foods; and family altars from different Asian cultures.

Tickets are $8 for general admission, $5 for seniors and students. Museum admission is included in the cost. The museum is at 10th and Oak streets in downtown Oakland. For more information, visit www.museumca.org or call (510) 238-2200.

Internationally acclaimed author Ji-li Jiang reads from her new book, "The Magical Monkey King: Mischief in Heaven," Tuesday at two branches of the Oakland Public Library.

Jiang, author of the 1997 memoir "Red Scarf Girl," will appear at 10:30 a.m. in the Main Library Children's Room, 124 14th St., Oakland, and at 1:30 p.m. at the Asian Branch, 388 ninth Street, Suite 190. For more information, visit www.oaklandlibrary.org or call (510) 238-3615 or (510) 238-3400.

Of all the holidays in the Chinese lunar calendar, the New Year festival is the most exciting and colorful. It's a time when friends and family come together to celebrate the promise of prosperity and share the pleasures of the table.

The Oakland Tribune: Bay Area Living
Kari Hulac, Features Editor
(925) 416-4856
(925) 416-4874 Fax##
khulac@angnewspapers.com Email

Oakland Tribune: General Contact Information
401 13th Street
Oakland, California 94612
(510) 208-6330 Switchboard
(510) 293-2709 Online Content
www.oaklandtribune.com